All Things Summer

Summer is here!! Turning my alarm OFF has been the most exciting part. Jake has been crawling in bed with me every morning and we snuggle until Luke wakes up! I LOVE it. I have been able to rock Luke to sleep every day for nap and see and hear all of the cute stuff he's been saying. At this point, I am planning on staying home for a while to take care of my sweet family. It has taken some getting used to. Just the initial thought of it all. I have prayed about this for a long time and I know this is the answer to my prayers. I have never in my life thought I would/could be a stay at home mom. I have had this vision of myself doing big things, making big money, being a boss, making a difference somewhere. Um hello, I have a college degree. Women with a degree don't stay home. I will admit, I have been fooling myself. Every year I know why God has placed me where he has. Crockett allowed Jake to attend one of the best private schools out there and give him an awesome starting foundation for his education. It also showed me what working for one of the best principals and colleagues was really like. But in the long run, God opened my eyes to the concept of working too hard. I saw Luke on an average of two hours a day. Somebody else was rocking my baby and seeing all of his firsts. I thank God every day for placing the best sitter in the world to care for him while his mama was out trying to change the world. Little did I know my place was right here in this little house in this tiny town!! I will say I work so much harder at home than in my classroom on any day of the week. I find myself smiling and laughing all day long. I know living in this small town without much to do will get repetitive at times but I know my kids will only be small for the blink of an eye and I want to be here for it all. I am ecstatic about being that room mom for Jake and being able to be in his classroom for ALL of his parties instead of running in and out because my class was doing the same thing. I can't wait to be able to cook for my husband and take care of him like a wife should!

** Jake has said some funny things lately-

A few weeks ago Cody and I went and had dinner and the boys stayed with Granny and Big Daddy. They had picked up Chicken Express earlier that day to feed the boys for dinner. When we got home that night they said the boys ate so much and Jake ate a ton of chicken legs. The next day we Jake and I were walking in to HEB to pick up something for dinner and I asked if he wanted anything in particular..he said," if they have chicken on a leg will you cook that?'

Yesterday we stopped at Sonic to get a drink. I guess Jake didn't think I paid for it and asked me if our stuff was free? I said no, nothing in the world is free. He said, uh huh, the samples at Sams are!!!

Splash day 2011

2012

Jake and Mrs. Byrd

 Jake's Pre-K class at graduation doing their alphabet in sign language

Yes, I do have another child named Luke and I will post pictures of him tomorrow. My quiet time is ending, naps are over! 

Confused and Trying to Sit Still

My computer at work has become ridiculously slow and that's why i haven't blogged. I want to chunk it out the window. Its speed is much like dial up. It's frustrating.

Mothers Day was freakin' awesome. My family came down and spent the whole weekend with us. In our tiny house, all crammed in, and we loved every minute of it. I am still trying to catch up on laundry. We went through 12 rolls of toilet paper in 2 days. How do the Duggars do it?

I have gained every pound back I lost. I put in my resignation at work, took it back, and put it in again. I can't believe my boss hasn't just fired me. All of this makes me eat.

Cody quit dipping over a week ago. It is safe to say I was not happy about this until a few days ago. I just thought he was laid back and easy going. The first week was tough for ALL OF US!

I have decided to quit my job and stay home next year with Luke. Jake will be starting Kindergarten. I have also decided that if a job comes open closer to home, I will take it. So, will I stay home next year or not? Who knows. This also causes me to eat! Oreos at bed submerged in milk for at least two minutes is the only thing that comforts me.

If you feel like this is the most random post, it is. This is exactly how I feel. So confused. I make up my mind one week that I am staying home no matter what and then BAM something hits me and I question it. I have been praying and I know my friends have been praying for me too. But he's not answering me quick enough! Ha! The lady who teaches next to me, who I love, reminded me of a verse that I have tried to find comfort in. (besides Oreos)  "Be still and know that I am God." It's very hard for me to sit and be still!

It's a List- AGAIN

I need to blog and the only way it will get done is if I make it a list. My mind only works part time this close to summer!

1. Cody and I were flipping through the channels Saturday and saw a new show on called "Happily Divorced." I was in complete shock. It's a sad world we are living in today. I commend any couple or individual that has seeked help to mend relationships or themselves. I would imagine it would be very tough, but what a testimony they can be to others!

2. Cody and I have put our house on the market. It's been there for about a week. We know that the time is right and I know God has a plan for us. Mom recently told me about the St. Joseph statue you can bury in your yard and there is a certain prayer you can pray. Google it. It's pretty amazing. I ordered mine yesterday. I can't wait to bury it.

3. Amber Nicole came this weekend. Amber has been one of the greatest friends I have ever had. We were so close in high school and I love her more than I can describe. She enlisted in the Army right out of high school so our visits are few and far between. When they do occur I treasure every second. Besides being the funniest person I have ever met, she's real. She tells me what I need to hear, sets me straight, and holds nothing back. Every body needs a friend like that!  Her kids are the most well behaved children EVER. And they are so sweet to each other. Amber admitted this weekend it wasn't normal the way she used to take care of me. She was on the basketball team too. She kept up with my uniform, school books, and anything else that I left behind. Low and behold half way home on the bus I would realize my warm-up top was still in the bleachers and I was going to have to run until I threw up if Coach found out. The next day at school my stuff was always in my locker. She had my back every time. We had an even swap going on. I had a vehicle and gas money and that's where she lacked.  I loved seeing her face and visiting with her kids. We did figure out we are only two hours away, and I am debating on sending Jake for the summer so he can come back in check! It must be the boot camp, drill sergeant in her!

4. T-Ball has started and we have had two games. I have to say I am pretty impressed with Jake. He has gotten better each practice and game and it's been so fun to watch. He's number 4 this season. We tried to start with number 11 but it swallowed him. The higher the number the bigger the jersey. And I don't think its cool to roll sleeves up anymore.

5. Last but not least, I want to mention our old neighbors and friends, the Neylands. You can read Wendy's blog here. They have an incredible testimony!! Please continue to pray for sweet baby Kaydence, she continues to show our little town of Centerville He is in complete control!

God Pulled My Ponytail

I can't believe it's almost May. School is over in May. Not until the 31st but it's still May. My students are done with STAAR testing and as far as I am concerned my summer has started. I am so burnt out, done, over it. Call it what you want, but I know if I feel this way so do my kids.

In my last post I mentioned my husband, and how I was working on being more submissive. VERY hard for me to do. But I think I have been getting better. I am praying A LOT. Last week I had this epiphany on my way home from work. Cody had been working crazy hours and I was pretty much home every evening by myself with the kids doing all of the duties alone. I dread these two weeks every few months when he goes on this rotation. It's tough. Not that I can't do it and never have before but I have come to depend on him so much. It sounds like I should be more submissive than I am. Ha. During these two weeks I am very on edge because I am so worried about getting lunches made, dinner cooked, baths, and bed at a certain time. There are more times than not that I am very short with my kids, raise my voice, and let curse words slip out. I hate it. I feel like the rest of the families at Walmart you see without shoes or teeth yelling at their kids.  So, as I am driving home I get this insight of reality. Anytime this happens to me this mental picture flashes in my head of God standing behind me pulling my ponytail, giving me a little tug, and saying, "Ugh, Casey....WAKE UP" This is what he says to me, "Why do you treat your own children this way after not being with them all day long? You are not allowed to yell or curse at the kids you teach who don't even belong to you." That was it. And that's all it took for me to realize what needed to change. I do believe Cody and I do the best of job as we know with these boys. No, I do not know everything about life, marriage, or my children, but I will keep praying for God to "pull my hair" when I need to wake up!

 My neighbor made Luke homemade knee pads. The poor kid can't keep his knees well.

 Headed to school with Jake's lunchbox

Jake had his first t-ball game last Saturday.

My Husband-Submission

Thank Goodness it's Friday. This week has been a crazy one at work and the only choice next week has is to go up!!

Julie told me about a friend of hers that was writing a blog about her spiritual journey. I LOVE to read about other mom's who are doing the same things I am. It makes me feel more grounded and certain I am not as crazy as I think I am. This blog is great but there was one post in particular that hit home today. Two weeks ago I started receiving communion again in the Catholic church, and as a child my mom always told us to give our communion up for something. That something could have been a family that was struggling, loved ones that passed on, an individual going through a hard time, etc. The last two Sundays I have given my communion up for my husband. There are not enough prayers in the world for him to put up with me on a daily basis. If you know my husband you would agree that he is one of the most kind hearted people in the world. He would do ANYTHING for ANYBODY! Being a single mom forced me to make all the decisions at home just a few years ago. It has been a constant struggle for me to be a team player and I know God made Cody just for me for this exact reason. He is definitely the more rationale one and should be the only one who is allowed to speak for us as a family due to my inability to keep my opinions to myself. Ha.

It was so good to read THIS POST and know I am not the only one who struggles with this. I think, as a wife, I will need a constant reminder. But, I have to start somewhere, right?

My Face Muscles Hurt

I can't believe Easter is over. It came and went so fast. My brother and his family came down for the long weekend. It is always a riot when he is in town. I mean my face muscles(is that even something?) are suffering from soreness. When he is around our family is full of laughter and smiles. He has always been hilarious, but since his move to Louisiana he has developed a Cajun accent that tends to set off his jokes even better. It's crazy how my kids don't see him near as much as they would like but never forget him. One of Luke's first words were JJ when he had only seen him twice. My whole family jokes that I am Mom's favorite because I am the baby(she doesn't really have a favorite) but being a mom to boys, I know JJ is her favorite deep down inside. People comment about poor Luke will be the middle child when Cody and I have another one day. My brother has it made. He's not mistreated one bit!!! My sister in law has earned her wings in heaven for putting up with the man. I know she catches hell from him, his jokes are so much funnier when they aren't at your expense!

Friday we boiled crawfish at Mom's. The Schwab's came down and hung out. I think Friday night was one of the most fun nights I have had in all my life. This night contributed to my face muscles hurting some more. Julie is another one that has her bed made in Heaven after being married to Eric. They guy is a trip. He talks more shit and is constantly making fun of me. It's a love/hate relationship between us. He's just lucky I love his wife and kids so much!! We ended staying up way too late. Luke's 8am wake up call threw the whole house for a loop!

Eric sipping champagne.

Saturday we packed up and headed back to Cody's family. We hunted eggs and ate and ate. Jake had to spend Easter with his dad. It is always so quiet when he is gone and it leaves me with a sick feeling. Luke started whining when Jake got out of the truck on Saturday. I know I have many years of explaining and heart ache when Luke is old enough to understand the extent of Jake being gone sometimes. It never gets easier. The only thing that could have made me feel remotely better about Jake being gone was the surprise pot of gumbo Cody's dad had made when we got there. It is such a sad situation that food can make me feel this way.

Easter Sunday mass was so crowded at our little church and it was awesome! I loved the sound of folding chairs being brought out. We ended up spending the majority of mass in the cry room because my child wants everyone to know he is there. He tends to throw the objects I give him to keep him quiet and sometimes tries to sing as loud as the congregation when the song is already OVER!  God has to give special Grace to us moms that never hear the Gospel because of small children!

I hope you all had a great Easter and are part of a church family that is just like your own.

I LOVE THIS CHILD! 

AND THIS ONE!

My family is addicted to the game LCR. (Google it) My brother was trying to teach Jake how to "make it rain." 

It's a Long One!

I haven't written a real post in so long. I have so much to say. I hope you are ready!

March was the busiest month of all for us. We had things going on every day of every weekend the whole month. It was insane. I am happy to be able to breathe again. We are still trying to get our house on the market. There are so many things that need to be done that don't take any money(whoo hoo) just time. We are just about done and I'm hopeful that it will be FOR SALE sooner than later.

In all of the craziness of March, my sweet baby boy turned ONE. He brings so much joy to us and is so full of personality. He loves the attention so much already. I never knew how much I could love these two boys.

Things Luke is doing-

Your favorite game is peek a boo and you usually cover your ears instead of your eyes.
You are walking all over the place and currently have two skinned up knees that do not slow you down.
You are saying mama, dada, big daddy, granny, bye, hello, hi, ball
You love anything that resembles a phone. You put it straight to your ear and say LO?
You have turned to into a mama's boy overnight and I love it!
You love to play rough with your brother, and you are quick to bite him. I tell him it's your only defense!
You got your first haircut. You screamed until I put that first Dum Dum sucker in your mouth. The crying was all over. You look so big, and it makes me sad.
You LOVE Mrs. Cathy (your sitter)
You love your Granny so much too. Your face lights up when she comes in the door.
You come up and give us hugs out just because. It's the sweetest thing.
If you are quiet in the house and we can't find you, 9 times out of 10, you are in your brother's room playing with his toys.

You love to eat any and everything you see. ALL. DAY. LONG.

I am counting down the days until summer break so I can stay home and spend time with you and your brother!!

We celebrated Luke's birthday last weekend in Centerville and will have another small party in Willis this weekend too. I wanted my brother to be a part of it if he could since he is not here for many family celebrations. I have not eaten crawfish once this whole season. We are boiling crawfish Friday night for Luke's party. No clue who had the idea?!!

Jake turned 5 in February and I never updated about him, so here it goes-

You are reading so well and it makes me so happy to listen to you.
You have been riding your bike all over without training wheels. I literally just looked outside one day and you were riding. I am still wondering who taught you?
You are starting your first season of t-ball this year. I can't wait.
You love playing outside and will stay out all day if I would let you.
You still require SO much sleep. Two hour naps still happen and you usually don't put up too much of a fight.
Chocolate milk is still your favorite.
You want to eat candy all of the time. And you just don't understand why I won't let you.
You are still carrying around the blanket. It looks real, real bad.
You are still very rough and all boy.

I do see you growing up. You have such a sweet heart and are starting to realize not all of your friends want to tackle and wrestle. Mama has been praying about this for quite some time now ;)

You love to snuggle and watch cartoons in the morning.

You could stay up all night and watch TV. As long as something is going on, you are staying up to see it.

You still love to pick the guitar and the last time you played with Cody I could not even tell you were there. You are starting to be able to pick up on the notes and follow along. It amazes me. I think you are tired of people saying you are too young for lessons. You have decided to learn on your own!

I finished my half marathon. I really did it! It was such a great experience and I love running all over again. That is what I wanted out of this. I am not sure if I'm fit for 13 miles, I think 6-7 would work just fine!

Finally, I helped throw my best friend a baby shower a few weeks ago. Amy and I have been friends since we were born. She is pregnant with a baby girl and I am so excited for her!! She was always the girly girl and me the tomboy. Her son, Dylan, is so precious but I know this sweet girl will make their family complete. She is such an awesome mommy! 

Cody and I recently got our marriage blessed in the Catholic church and we are so excited. Our new priest has been amazing for our church. I am taken back by all of the things that have happened in our lives this past year. I am looking forward to helping our little church grow along with my faith.